how to repair broken flagstone

Steps:

1. Lift up and remove loosened flagstones.
2. Use wire brush to scrub clean the concrete surface below the flagstone.
3. Don safety glasses and use air compessor with air nozzle to blow dirt and debris from the concrete base.
4. Apply concrete-block adhesive to the concrete.
5. Use flat trowel to evenly spread out the adhesive.

Full Answer

How do you fix a flagstone patio?

In other situations, you may have to replace several flagstone pieces entirely, especially if the flagstone is mortared in place. For a mortared patio, use a hammer and a stone chisel to chip out the mortar between a damaged stone and its surrounding undamaged stones.

How to clean flagstone mortar joints?

Take one corner of the sponge and wipe down the one side of the flagstone mortar joint. Then, use a different corner of the sponge and clean the other side of the joint. Okay, now you’re good. move on to other work. When the mortar has become thumbprint dry you can return and sponge it off again.

How to install flagstone over concrete?

1 Lift up and remove loosened flagstones. 2 Use wire brush to scrub clean the concrete surface below the flagstone. 3 Don safety glasses and use air compessor with air nozzle to blow dirt and debris from the concrete base. 4 Apply concrete-block adhesive to the concrete. 5 Use flat trowel to evenly spread out the adhesive. More items...

What causes flagstone to crack?

Frost might cause mortared flagstone to crack, or cause the mortar itself to crack over time. Flagstone might also chip or start to crumble due to a sharp blow from a heavy dropped object, for instance.

How do you fix a broken flagstone step by step?

0:024:07How to Repair a Mortared Flagstone Walkway | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe want to get all the loose cement and dirt out of here. So just take and scrape it. Up. Just don'tMoreWe want to get all the loose cement and dirt out of here. So just take and scrape it. Up. Just don't chip away any of the edges. Okay not too wet we want it nice and dry for the adhesive.

How do you repair a flagstone joint?

Wearing rubber gloves, apply the mortar mix with the trowel. Working on just a small area at a time, stuff joints and immediately flatten them with the trowel. Then, with the damp sponge, wipe over the joints to smooth them. Also wipe off any mortar on the surface of the stones.

How do you fix a broken stone?

0:0610:32How to Repair a Broken Stone Walkway | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere was nothing supporting the edges at all that's probably why that piece snapped off i see nowMoreThere was nothing supporting the edges at all that's probably why that piece snapped off i see now the setting bed itself is sand it's very hard to get fully compacted. So the stones tend to settle.

What is the best material to put between flagstone?

Mulch: Bark and lightweight chunks of mulch are a great option for in-between flagstone. Cocoa shell mulch is small and curls, for a unique look. Plants: You can grow plants, such as grass or moss, in between the flagstone. Polymeric stone dust: You don't need to use compacting equipment to firm up this material.

Can I use mortar between flagstone?

Landscaping Network says you can place flagstone pieces into wet mortar is applied either directly on a subbase of compacted gravel and sand, or to an existing concrete slab. Then, the joints are filled with either sand or additional mortar or grout.

What is the best mortar for flagstone?

1:1 Mortar Mixture If you decide not to use hydrated lime in mortar for your flagstone walk, a good sturdy mixture is made from sand and Portland cement. Landscapers, accustomed to the extreme fluctuations of Colorado weather, have had satisfactory results mixing 1 part Portland cement with I part sand.

Can you glue broken stone?

Place a paper over the drilled surface, glue it down with water soluble glue (tape did not work in this example - it did not adhere to the soft stone surfaces) and outline the hole and the edges of the stone. Then, poke holes through the paper marking drilled holes.

How do you repair a broken stone patio?

0:343:35How To Fix Broken Pavers, Bricks, Concrete or Stone with ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe use some disposable household gloves to make the repairs to easier to work with. Once you've cutMoreWe use some disposable household gloves to make the repairs to easier to work with. Once you've cut off the desired amount and repair using your hands knead the putty.

What is the best glue for stone?

Epoxy resin works well on stones, both large and small. Super glues and jewelry adhesives work well where small bonds are needed, such as gluing tiny polished gemstones atop a larger polished stone for a pendant.

Can polymeric sand be used with flagstone?

Polymeric sand, or “poly-sand” seemed great at first. As easy to install as regular sand, almost. You simply sweep the material into the flagstone (or other paver) joints, lightly hose down, then it solidifies. Once it dries and hardens, the sand stays in place.

What is the best grout for flagstone?

Epoxy groutEpoxy grout – the best grout for natural stone tiles. Epoxy grout is strong, form impermeable seams and is resistant to staining. It could well be said that this is the best grout for natural stone.

Is polymeric sand the same as stone dust?

The main difference is in the size of the primary materials, stone dust versus sand. Gator dust bond base material is stone dust, much finer than regular jointing sand. It is designed to stabilize wider paver joints than polymeric sand.

What is the best grout for flagstone?

Epoxy groutEpoxy grout – the best grout for natural stone tiles. Epoxy grout is strong, form impermeable seams and is resistant to staining. It could well be said that this is the best grout for natural stone.

How do you repair mortar between stones?

2:565:43How to prepare and point old stonework - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet your pointing trash. And then start to apply in the areas like this pushing. It in really deepMoreGet your pointing trash. And then start to apply in the areas like this pushing. It in really deep fill in all of the gaps. Between each one of the blocks.

Can polymeric sand be used with flagstone?

Polymeric sand, or “poly-sand” seemed great at first. As easy to install as regular sand, almost. You simply sweep the material into the flagstone (or other paver) joints, lightly hose down, then it solidifies. Once it dries and hardens, the sand stays in place.

How do you fix grout paving?

1:272:46How to repair patio joints // U-CAN Patio Jointing Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGradually mix in the water. Little more when the mortar is damp enough to roll into a ball you'reMoreGradually mix in the water. Little more when the mortar is damp enough to roll into a ball you're good to go. Press the mortar into the joint with a builder's trowel pushing down firmly.

What shall be removed from flagstone?

Loose flagstones shall be removed. Old cement from underneath these flagstones shall likewise be removed.

How much mortar do you need to re-set flagstones?

re-set flagstones in no more than one and a half inches of mortar mix

How thick should I mortar a flagstone patio?

for a few years or so. A proper mortar bed for flagstone should be about one inch in depth, say half an inch to one and a half inches. Very often, more often that not, really, when doing flagstone repairs, I find flagstones that were laid in a solid two inches, or even three inches of mortar. Yikes, not good. Mortar is the weak link, and should be kept to a minimum. Irregular (natural shaped) flagstone is sold by weight, thus it is much cheaper to use thinner pieces. Being lighter in weight, it is also easier and faster to install thinner flagstone. Furthermore, a two inch thick bed of mortar is a faster installation technique–you can just slop a whole bunch or mortar down and then take your individual flagstones and smoosh them down to the proper level. Your individual flagstones are of various thickness, thus having a deeper mortar bed will make it easier to get them all down to the same level.

How deep should a flagstone mortar bed be?

A proper mortar bed for flagstone should be about one inch in depth, say half an inch to one and a half inches. Very often, more often that not, really, when doing flagstone repairs, I find flagstones that were laid in a solid two inches, or even three inches of mortar. Yikes, not good.

Why do I prefer thicker flagstone?

I prefer thicker flagstones. They have more mass and thus are less easy to disturb, to come loose, or to heave from the freeze-thaw. It’s harder to dislodge something that is heavier. Common-sense, right? Seriously, there are masons out there who have not figured this out yet. What? Masons everywhere–read Devin’s blog, and take notes.

Can flagstone be heaved?

Flagstones that are set in cement can be vulnerable to heaving due to freeze-thaw conditions. Here in Pennsylvania we have serious winters, leading to serious winter damage to masonry. (HINT if you’re having a new patio installed go dry-laid. repairs for dry laid will be much simpler.) flagstone repair: BEFORE.

Can you use flagstone to replace mortar?

Often flagstones that have come loose have a) to deep of a mortar bed and/or a very thin flagstone was used to begin with. If such is the case…and in my experience it often is, then I will a) use a thicker flagstone thus ensuring a smaller mortar bed and/or b) fiber additives will be added to the mortar mix. These are 1″ fiberglass strips, they look kind of like shredded up cigarette filters and are sold as a stucco additive. Mortar has a low structural integrity. Concrete is stronger, by comparison, because it has gravel added to it. The addition of the fibers will strengthen the mortar, making it less likely to crack.

How to repair sunken flagstone?

Repairing sunken spots requires removing the affected flagstones , including some that are level in the area immediately around the indentation. Take a picture of the area before removing anything so you'll know where to place each stone afterward.

How to cut a flagstone?

Mark the desired cut line in chalk and starting at one end, tap along it with the hammer and chisel. The goal is to notch away a little at a time with patience and not with brute force, working your way down the line across the flagstone face. Once you've completed one pass, go over the notch again, making it deeper. Eventually, the stone snaps along the scored line either while you're tapping the chisel or with a blow from a mallet on the "scrap" side of the score line.

Why is my stone patio sinking?

Because your stone patio is exposed to the elements, it likely won't stay pristine forever due to harsh winters, summer rain storms and damaging winds , which can wreak havoc on this area of your outdoor living space. For stones set in sand, too much sand or a drainage issue could cause the patio to sink in some areas. Frost might cause mortared flagstone to crack, or cause the mortar itself to crack over time. Flagstone might also chip or start to crumble due to a sharp blow from a heavy dropped object, for instance.

Why does my patio sink?

For stones set in sand, too much sand or a drainage issue could cause the patio to sink in some areas. Frost might cause mortared flagstone to crack, or cause the mortar itself to crack over time. Flagstone might also chip or start to crumble due to a sharp blow from a heavy dropped object, for instance.

What is the filler between flagstone pavers?

Polymeric sand, which is a special blend of fine sand and bonding additives, is the solution to this type of problem.

How to fill gaps in flagstone?

Polymeric sand is a bit finicky, however. It works best if used to fill the entire depth of the gap between stones, which means you'll have to dig out every bit of old filler material in areas that need repairs. A pressure washer comes in handy for removing all the old sand, but be sure to wear goggles and protective clothing, as this method is quite messy. If you use a pressure washer or if it has rained recently, you'll have to wait until the nearby flagstone and the ground between stones is completely dry; otherwise, the polymeric sand may stain.

What to use to cut flagstone?

When cutting flagstone, aim for relatively straight, simple lines for a better chance at success. For just a few stones, a hammer and a stone chisel are enough to do the trick, while larger projects require power tools. In either case, wear eye protection and a dust mask. Advertisement.

How to clean a stone with mortar?

Wearing rubber gloves, apply the mortar mix with the trowel. Working on just a small area at a time, stuff joints and immediately flatten them with the trowel . Then, with the damp sponge, wipe over the joints to smooth them. Also wipe off any mortar on the surface of the stones. Rinse the sponge and clean the stones again.

Can you use sand topping mix instead of mortar?

For the replacement mortar, skip over packages of mortar mix and instead buy sand-topping mix. A call to the technical help line at Quikrete, a manufacturer of a wide array of cement mixes, confirmed that sand-topping mix is preferable to mortar mix for this use. Sand mix contains more cement and will be more durable.

How to get mortar haze on sponge?

Hit both sides…..again, always using a clean corner of the sponge! Use the same corner twice and you will leave a mortar haze.

What to do when mortar is dry?

When the mortar has become thumbprint dry you can return and sponge it off again.

How to pop mortar from the side?

After that you can take a chisel and hold it at a forty five degree angle, and come at the joint from the sides. Strike down upon the mortar from the right side and then from the left. Should pop out fairly easily. Again, the method you use will greatly be determined by the shape and size and condition of your mortar joint.

What type of mortar should I use for cement?

I like to use a fairly dry mix of mortar for this type of work. Masons call this a “stiff” mix, or a “tight” mix. I go just a tiny bit wetter than crumbly…well, maybe a little bit crumbly. This makes less of a mess, than wet mortar will. Also, since the cement is fairly dry, I can really push it down into them cracks. With a wetter mortar, if you push it down hard, or even just go to smooth it out too much, you’ll push the moisture up to the surface–which will cause problems, such as spalling and cracking, later. Drier stuff is easier to clean and will be stronger. Years down the road, this patio will still be in good condition.

Can you use super dry mortar on cinderblock?

The mortar, whether you are using the super dry method or and other dry method, must not be plastic. It can be bone dry, crumbly, or slightly damp…but it must be more dry than a block laying mix. The cement you use to lay a cinderblock is just way too wet for grade level application.

Can you use cement to lay cinderblock?

Other methods that I have encountered have varying degrees of ease–but do not provide much durability. I do NOT approve of any methods that use a) too much water, or b) is not compacted enough, pushed down into the joint really well. The mortar, whether you are using the super dry method or and other dry method, must not be plastic. It can be bone dry, crumbly, or slightly damp…but it must be more dry than a block laying mix. The cement you use to lay a cinderblock is just way too wet for grade level application.

Can you push cement down hard?

Also, since the cement is fairly dry, I can really push it down into them cracks. With a wetter mortar, if you push it down hard, or even just go to smooth it out too much, you’ll push the moisture up to the surface–which will cause problems, such as spalling and cracking, later.

Can stone be joined back together?

Provided to stone itself still has its structural integrity intact, the fragments can usually be joined back together and be conserved, (repaired). Although joining two or more broken elements is a seemingly basic task, it can quickly become complex. The type of stone to be conserved, and where it is broken both need to be assessed before a preservation effort may begin.

Can you join a fractured tombstone together?

Many techniques have historically been employed to join fractured tombstone together. Although the drilling and placement of bolts and metal repair plates is no longer advised, for many years this was considered a well done repair. We should be very careful to avoid disparaging repairs done at a different time. Any repair that has lasted is in some respects well done. They may not always look that great, but consider if a repair was not completed, the fragments may have been lost or destroyed.

Can vandalism damage gravestones?

The press loves to focus on the deplorable acts of vandalism, which from time to time, may damage a local cemetery or graveyard. Yet these occasional rampages are not the leading cause of broken gravestones.

Can epoxies be used on gravestones?

Modern epoxies have evolved in the recent past, which now allow gravestone conservation procedures previously impossible, to be accomplished. Mortars were traditionally employed to join broken stone fragments, but mortars tend to be too thick and cause mating surfaces to be enlarged.